The MeidasTouch Podcast: "Swing Left Executive Director Yasmin Radjy on Fighting Back"

Release Date: April 7, 2025
Host: MeidasTouch Network (Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas)
Guest: Yasmin Rogers, Executive Director of Swing Left

1. Introduction and Economic Concerns

The episode opens with Ben addressing the current economic downturn, highlighting significant declines in major stock indices such as the Dow, S&P, and Nasdaq, each plummeting approximately 4-5% on consecutive days. He questions the effectiveness of MAGA Republican members of Congress, suggesting their policies are contributing to economic instability.

Ben [02:45]:
"We're seeing massive GDP contraction, massive layoffs in factories. Worse, the opposite of what he said. Up is down, down is up."

2. Critique of MAGA Republican Messaging

Ben plays clips from MAGA-affiliated state legislators to illustrate their support for former President Trump and their justifications for current economic policies.

• Wendy Rogers, Arizona State Senator [01:07]:
  "President Trump, this is your favorite state senator from Arizona, Wendy Rogers. I just want you to know that I am wearing the Trump watch and I sport these gold Trump shoes every chance I get on the floor of the Arizona legislature."

• Jim Banks, MAGA Republican Senator [01:58]:
  "Countries are already coming to the table. And this is what's brilliant about what President Trump is up to. He's put other countries on notice."

Ben criticizes these statements, arguing that the touted "disruption" is actually harming the economy, leading to GDP contractions and layoffs contrary to the senators' claims.

Ben [03:13]:
"When it comes to these MAGA Republicans, I at least give. I can't believe I'm even saying this. Ron Johnson from Wisconsin, a fraction of a fraction of a fraction of credit. At least he says. I'm concerned about what's happening right now."

3. Voices from the Ground: Impact on Small Businesses

The podcast features testimonials from small business owners adversely affected by the current administration's policies.

• Small Business Owner [03:34]:
  "Trump just destroyed my business. Trump announced his massive tax plan on items coming from other countries. He says that the countries are going to pay that. That's false."

• Jim Banks [04:16]:
  "Tariffs are freaking killing me, man. We're startup. We are American entrepreneurs."

These accounts underscore the real-world consequences of the administration's economic strategies, particularly tariffs, on small businesses and entrepreneurs.

4. Introducing Yasmin Rogers and Swing Left's Mission

Ben introduces Yasmin Rogers, Executive Director of Swing Left, an organization dedicated to mobilizing progressive voters to reclaim the House of Representatives. Yasmin shares insights into the organization's efforts and the current political landscape.

Yasmin Rogers [04:58]:
"Yesterday's economic hit is really scary for folks. But we also saw what we're setting the stage for with the Wisconsin Supreme Court election... We're only three seats away from winning the house."

5. Recent Electoral Successes and Strategic Plans

Yasmin highlights recent victories in Wisconsin and Florida as pivotal moments for Swing Left, demonstrating increased Democratic enthusiasm and electoral momentum.

Yasmin Rogers [04:58]:
"We saw incredible double digit Democratic over performance... we're only three seats away from winning the house."

She introduces the "Three to Win" campaign, emphasizing the critical importance of winning just three additional House seats to secure a Democratic majority.

6. Organizing Efforts: From Digital to Grassroots

The conversation delves into Swing Left's dual approach of leveraging digital platforms and fostering grassroots, community-based organizing. Yasmin discusses the importance of offline engagement to build strong, connected communities capable of sustained political action.

Yasmin Rogers [09:36]:
"It's actually like very strategically important for us to spend some time slowing down offline as we engage also in this very fast moving digital media landscape... because folks are also feeling things outside of our politics that are impacting them."

7. Call to Action: How Listeners Can Get Involved

Yasmin provides actionable steps for listeners to participate in Swing Left's initiatives, encouraging the formation of local chapters and active community engagement.

Yasmin Rogers [11:12]:
"Folks can go to swingleft.org/house and they can get involved today in the fight to win back the House. They can join, as you said, a local group because, you know, we're 18 months away from this election."

Ben reinforces this message, urging listeners to visit the website, join or start local chapters, and share their efforts on social media to amplify the movement's reach.

Ben [15:21]:
"What can I do? I think this is a step that you can take. Go to the website, take a look at what chapters are nearby, think about starting your own chapter and then share the photos and videos online."

8. Conclusion and Final Encouragement

The episode concludes with mutual expressions of gratitude between Ben and Yasmin, and a final exhortation for listeners to subscribe and engage with the MeidasTouch community.

Ben [15:58]:
"And everybody. Hit subscribe and let's get to 5 million subscribers. Love this video. Continue the conversation by following us on Instagram."

Key Takeaways:

• Economic Critique: The podcast criticizes MAGA Republicans for policies leading to economic downturns, emphasizing the negative impact on small businesses and entrepreneurs.

• Swing Left's Role: Yasmin Rogers outlines Swing Left's strategy to mobilize voters and win three additional House seats, positioning this as pivotal for countering the current administration's agenda.

• Community Engagement: Emphasis on blending digital activism with grassroots organizing to build strong, connected communities capable of driving significant political change.

• Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to actively participate by joining or starting local Swing Left chapters, engaging in community events, and leveraging social media to support the movement.

This episode serves as a comprehensive discussion on the intersection of current economic policies, political strategy, and grassroots mobilization, providing listeners with both a critique of existing policies and a roadmap for proactive engagement to support democratic values.